Off Grid Living - Cabin Solar Power Setup


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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / Off Grid Living - Cabin Solar Power Setup

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Curtis	# Posted: 16 Jan 2008 09:06 Reply Hello from Kelowna BC. We recently purchased our dream acreage in green wood BC about 2hrs south of Kelowna. When I read what you are using for solar power I just smiled, I have the exact same system that I hooked up this weekend, with a few variances. I decided to purchase the 30 amp battery controller offered at Can tire for 130.00. The LED display is great, it not only gives you the status of battery charge but will show you the voltage and amperage output of your solar panels.I decided to purchase 3 -15 watt panels (believe it or not) they are almost 5.00 per watt cheaper than most other panels. I only had about 2hrs of daylight left once I got the panels mounted on my homemade portable mount system, but I have to say, Each panel worked as advertised, about 26 volts out of each one (regulated down to 14 volts by the controller) and 1 amp out of each panel.I purchased the Can tire portable power box as you have and am so far quite impressed with it. We turned it on @ 6pm on friday night till midnight and again on saturday. The low battery alarm came on Saturday night about 9PM (not bad considering I did not charge it since we arrived, and we run 3 43watt compact flourescent lamps and a portable cd player. I am sure, now that the panels are operative and charging it will easily last us the entire weekend. I am contemplating buying 3 more panels for more charging amps and another power box for backup when we have the longer stays at the cabin. I was looking to buy just an extra battery as suggested in the power box manual, but so far it makes much more sence to just buy the power box for cheaper. Glad I found your site, Keep up the great work!!! Regards Curtis
CabinBuilder Admin	# Posted: 16 Jan 2008 09:31 Reply Curtis, Thanks for sharing your experience with solar power setup. I looked up that 30A charge .. quite nice thing indeed. It also said it works with both lead acid and gel cell batteries (some people prefer those). Enjoy your cabin living!

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